With the ATH-M series, Audio-Technica offers a whole range of closed-back, studio-oriented monitoring headphones for every budget. What they all have in common is a very solid construction, delicate sound reproduction with slight emphasis on the bass and treble ranges, and a circumaural design that is very comfortable to wear even during long sessions. The ATH-M models have comparatively low impedance. Accordingly, they can be used at a reasonable volume level with mobile devices that do not have the output power of a headphone amplifier or interface. Thanks to their good sound isolation, the headphones are also quite suitable for DJs and in noisy environments.
The ATH-M20x is the most affordable model in Audio-Technica's ATH-M series and features 40mm drivers powered by neodymium magnets and CCAW coils. The sound is impressive and can definitely compete with much higher-priced headphones. The construction is simple but solid. The ATH-M20x headphones are well padded and can be adjusted to any position. On the left-hand side, there is a fixed three-metre cable that ends in a 3.5mm jack plug. An adapter to 6.3mm jack is included in the scope of delivery. The ear cups can be swivelled by 90 degrees.
The closed-back design and good sound isolation of the ATH-M20x make it the ideal companion for loud recording sessions where, for example, a drum kit is being recorded in the same room. In turn, it also ensures less crosstalk in vocal recordings when the singer is recording over loud backing. Thanks to their linear frequency response, the headphones also excel at production and mixing tasks. For DJs who like the circumaural design, the ATH-M20x offers sufficient sound isolation and adequate volume to pre-listen even in loud clubs. If you're looking for headphones just for enjoying music, you'll be impressed by the refined treble reproduction and tight bass for this price category.
The Japanese company Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 and at first manufactured affordable phono cartridges. The company has since become acclaimed for a whole range of quality audio products. Audio-Technica released their first headphones in 1974. The company later gained huge popularity among musicians with the release of the AT4060 tube microphone. Audio-Technica focuses on high-quality components at affordable prices. Today, their product rang offers a wide variety of microphones, headphones, and turntables as well as many other accessories.
Whether a musician, producer, or DJ, everyone should find what they are looking for in the ATH-M series from Audio-Technica. The differences between the various models lie more in the features than in the sound. If you're looking for a reliable and solid pair of headphones for many applications, you'll find it here. Audio-Technica offers an option in every price category and each headphone model has an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
CCAW voice coils
In loudspeakers as well as headphone drivers, the coil attached to the diaphragm vibrates in a magnetic field. The aim is to make the coil as light as possible so that the diaphragm can oscillate freely and is not slowed down by its own inertia even in the high-frequency range. While a copper coil has the highest inductance, i.e. vibrates particularly strongly in the magnetic field, an aluminium coil weighs less. Audio Technica's CCAW solution stands for Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire. As a compromise, an aluminium wire coated with copper is used in the coil. This makes it possible to create a very light coil with a high vibrational frequency response.